Paul’s Reaction to Charges
May 12, 2021
Commentary
Felix told Paul he would listen to his case once his accusers arrived. While they waited, Paul was placed in the Praetorium under guard. In five days, a delegation from the Sanhedrin arrived. This group included the high priest, some elders, and a hired lawyer named Tertullus (v. 1). He was a slick talker who was well versed in Roman jurisprudence. His opening of his speech before Felix was filled with flowery praise, the giving of honorable titles, and the assurance of brevity which were all characteristics of the Roman court scene (vv. 2-4). These words were blatant lies, as Felix was known for his treachery. It is evident that this was all done to erase any animosity which the Jews and Felix had toward each other. The accusations against Paul were narrowed down to three. (1) Paul was a nuisance, stirring up unrest in the community (v. 5). (2) Paul was a ringleader of a Nazarene sect (v. 5). (3) Paul had attempted to profane the temple (vv. 6-8). The first two charges were political in nature, and the second and third were religious accusations to which the Jews heartily assented. The Sanhedrin gave their amens to all the lawyer was saying (v.9).
Felix was not one to be so easily swayed. He knew Ananias’s reputation. They actually had a lot in common. Felix, however, was not inclined to give Paul an impartial judgement. He wanted to get something out of it. Paul, in his own defense, stood before Felix and the Jewish leaders and categorically denied the charges brought against him (v. 10). His first point was that he was only a visitor in Jerusalem, and he had been there less than two weeks (v.11). He stated that he had never once caused trouble in the temple or the Jewish meeting places (v. 12) and there is no way that they can prove these charges that they are now bringing against him (v. 13). Paul did have something to confess. He admitted belonging to what his enemies called heresy, and believing in God, the Scriptures, salvation and the resurrection of the dead (vv. 14-15). Because of his faith, Paul always strived to live with a clear conscience towards both God and man (v. 16).
Application
I wonder how I would have reacted to these charges if I had been in Paul’s shoes? I would hope that my reaction would be as Christ-like as Paul’s was.
Acts 24:1– 16 (NET)
1 After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought formal charges against Paul to the governor. 2 When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “We have experienced a lengthy time of peace through your rule, and reforms are being made in this nation through your foresight. 3 Most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this everywhere and in every way with all gratitude. 4 But so that I may not delay you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness. 5 For we have found this man to be a troublemaker, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we arrested him. 7 8 When you examine him yourself, you will be able to learn from him about all these things we are accusing him of doing.” 9 The Jews also joined in the verbal attack, claiming that these things were true.
10 When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, “Because I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense. 11 As you can verify for yourself, not more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 They did not find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd in the temple courts or in the synagogues or throughout the city, 13 nor can they prove to you the things they are accusing me of doing. 14 But I confess this to you, that I worship the God of our ancestors according to the Way (which they call a sect), believing everything that is according to the law and that is written in the prophets. 15 I have a hope in God (a hope that these men themselves accept too) that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 This is the reason I do my best to always have a clear conscience toward God and toward people.
Illustration: Reprimand Should Not Be the First Reaction
A mother of a five-year-old girl was startled to find her going through a new Bible storybook and circling the word “God” wherever appeared. Stifling her first reaction to reprimand the child for defacing a book, she quietly asked, “Why are doing that?” The little girl’s matter-of-fact answer was, “So that I will know where to find God when I want Him.” (Bruce Howell – Sermon Central).